Hebden Bridge Web

Happy Valley Pride 2018 - 'Revolution' is this year's theme

Sunday, 22 July 2018

Happy Valley Pride is an eclectic, alternative and inclusive week-long festival for everyone. Celebrating LGBT+ life in Hebden Bridge and surrounding areas, taking place this year from 6th to 12th August 2018.

A strong theme, with their best headliners yet, who have all eagerly signed up to participate in the revolution, recognising the unique flavour of Happy Valley Pride's tone in a town that does things differently.  

Now in its third year, the festival will be united by a Revolution theme with performances, art and outdoor entertainment.

Already a sell out, (within a record 48 hours) - London Club Night, Duckie bring their rock'n'roll performance disco-bar to Yorkshire on Saturday 11 August to The Trades Club. Happy Valley Pride attendees are clearly excited to be part of their legendary evening where DJ's, The London Reader's Wifes will be joined on stage by Happy Valley Pride favourites' Bourgeois & Maurice, drag artist Victoria Sin and comedian Barbara Brownskirt.

Another real coup, Camille O'Sullivan will be adding her inimitable tone to the beautiful Hope Baptist Church on Friday 10th August. An internationally-renowned singer, with a formidable reputation for her interpretations of the songs of Cave, Brel, Waits, Bowie, Cohen, Radiohead and more - She has stunned audiences around the world and Hebden Bridge will be added to a long list of prestigious venues, including Sydney Opera House.

Catering to Hebden Bridge's unique and well-recognised reputation for its high number of lesbian residents, established international comedy and performance artist, Ursula Martinez will be at Hebden Bridge Little Theatre on Thursday 9th August, with her critically acclaimed show, "Free Admission", which celebrates the inconsistencies and contradictions that make us human, whilst having a dig at some of the mess that is of our own making.

Elsewhere, the annual art exhibition will continue to be a key part of the festival with artwork donations,working on personal interpretations to align with this year's Revolution theme. It has already attracted some notable works, including renowned artist Kate Lycett, which will be offered for sale via a silent auction to raise further funds for the not-for-profit organisaton. Also, working alongside local schools, local children will also be contributing individually designed flags as part of an arts competition and will be on display throughout the main Big Weekend taking place in the town centre.

Entertainment will take place every day, starting with the Opening Night Social on Monday 6th at The Old Gate, Lesbian Writers Read at Squeeze and the Art Exhibition Launch at Nelsons Wine Bar on Tuesday 7th; Cinema night on Wednesday 8th, features Divine and co with added dancing and dress up at The Picturehouse and building up to the evening headliners Ursula Martinez, Camille O'Sullivan and Duckie.  

The big weekend will be jam-packed with free entertainment at St Pol Car Park on Saturday and the Pink Picnic and Pooch Parade in Calder Holmes Park on Sunday.  Elsewhere, there's an opportunity to join a Cabaret Workshop with Bourgeois & Maurice; attend a free Human Rights Talk with Peter Tatchell and enjoy a performance of "Hayley & Me" from award-winning trans performer, Kate O'Donnell.  Over at The Town Hall, the Expo offers a wide range of information stalls where people will be able to talk and get advice on matters relating to LGBT+ issues.

Newly-appointed Chair, Tim Whitehead, "Revolution is this year's theme - recognising that, whilst attitudes have evolved, Stonewall's 2017 report found UK LGBT+ hate crime has risen 80% since 2013. So, whilst it seems we've come a long way, equality is still somewhere over the rainbow.

Our brochure cover is symbolic of that, portraying something which, for many gay people, is still seen as revolutionary - holding their partner's hands in public.

During Happy Valley Pride's week-long festival, we'll be encouraging everyone, however they identify, to hold hands and spread our revolution of love both in Hebden Bridge and beyond."

Tickets and full programme details can be found on the Happy Valley website at www.happyvalleypride.com